Rodney Lewis Smith was a prominent photographer, whose whimsical work invited comparisons to that of Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte. He combined portraiture and landscapes to create enchanted worlds full of subtle contradictions and surprises. Using only film and light, his unretouched, dream-like images were matched by the craft and physical beauty of his prints. His estate continues to exhibit his work at museums and galleries around the world, for audiences who enjoy Smith’s signature aesthetic and whimsical sense of humor.

Leslie Smolan was Rodney’s wife and creative partner. As the founder of Carbone Smolan Agency, she leads a world-renowned brandingand design firm based in New York City, known for its work in the cultural, corporate and consumer sectors. Clients include The Louvre, Morgan Stanley, Mandarin Oriental Hotels and Coach. Leslie and Rodney met in 1987 and collaborated on The Hat Book, a whimsical look at hats as expressions of identity, fashion statement and disguise. She was also the creative director for his last book, Rodney Smith Photographs, published in 2016.Leslie will help us enter the private world of Rodney Smith by sharing his work, his inspirations, stories, and the techniques he used to create his unforgettable, magical photographs.

Barbara Barry is an award winning designer who is internationally known for her streamlined interiors and elegant home furnishings.She has helped usher in a true American aesthetic where her style and philosophy have become part of the design lexicon. Her lookspeaks to quiet luxury, comfort and ease – supporting her design philosophy that living simply, and with quality, is the highest form ofluxury.